Electrochemical cells

Abstract

A series of cells for use in an electrochemical device, such as an electrochemical cell or battery, that can operate in a single bulk electrolyte solution shared among the cells. Methods of producing hydrogen or both hydrogen and electricity in appreciable quantities and in various ratios, and vehicles or other devices and applications powered by electrochemical devices comprising the series.

I claim: 
     
         1 . An electrochemical cell comprising:
 an anode selected from aluminum, gallium, indium, thallium and alloys comprising at least one of these;   a cathode current collector positioned at a distance from the anode; and   a single electrolyte solution in contact with the anode and cathode current collector, wherein the single electrolyte solution is a catholyte comprising an oxidant, wherein the oxidant is sodium peroxydisulfate, and wherein the electrolyte solution further comprises a base and has a pH of greater than 12;   wherein the electrochemical cell is configured as a flow cell.   
     
     
         2 . The electrochemical cell of  claim 1 , wherein the anode is aluminum or an alloy comprising aluminum. 
     
     
         3 . The electrochemical cell of  claim 1 , wherein the cathode current collector is phosphor bronze. 
     
     
         4 . The electrochemical cell of  claim 1 , wherein the base is sodium hydroxide.